12-31-13

Me: I am posting for Martin since I was up early enough to see Australia bring in the New Year! Amazing fireworks over the Harbour Bridge in Sydney. I love remembering when we were there in 2012! All the best to Martin, Ruth, Adrian & Daniel in 2014!

Me: Great way to close out 2013 and get a jump start on 2014!

Twelve of us biked 60 miles to Canyon Lake today. Great ride in great company. Loved having Bob here for 2 days although he'll ring in the new year in Dallas tonight.

Wishing you good health & much happiness in 2014.

Happy New Year!

12-30-13

Me: I've been working on our Christmas card, um, New Year's card today. Thankfully Harley was on guard to make sure no one bothered me while I drew stick figures.

12-29-13

Me: I did the Sunday ATM (around the mountain) Vitesse road ride and then a few of us climbed to the towers (in background of photo). At the top we celebrated Rob's 100th towers climb in 2013. That is a huge accomplishment. That climb is tough & he did it 100 times this year. Congratulations, Rob!!

Bob gets home at 6:30pm tonight. Awww. :-)

12-28-13

Me: Kavan's rocking horse. Adorable!

Joan, Dean, Bob & I gave Trigger to Kavan for Christmas and our house is the barn.

12-27-13

Me: My friend, Marion is in town from San Diego. We've been doing some cool stuff like hanging out in the milk aisle of the grocery. :-)

Yesterday we biked and went to the mall to buy some make-up (can ya tell?). Today we went running and lifted weights. Tomorrow another bike ride.

PS: Bob passed his recurrent training! Woot woot! After 4 days of stress in the classroom and simulator  testing (on Christmas no less), he proves to be a great pilot (I knew that already). Congratulations, honey! Proud of you!

12-26-13

Me: Yesterday's Christmas celebration at Joan & Dean's home. The weather was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! We were outside all afternoon & evening playing games & eating.

I brought two games of "Giant Jenga" and set up a family tourney. Most of us are competitive so games were intense and so much fun!

I partnered with my nephew, Nathan. We had some great games!

 Maybe not a white Christmas but a wonderful one.

April (AKA: The baby whisperer). :-) Cuties!

Congratulations Matt & Kim +  Mike & Abbie! They went home the champions even though the two couples have to play each other for the official crowning "2013 Christmas Jenga Champions". (we ran out of time for the final game.)

Merry Christmas from Arizona!

12-25-13

From our house to yours

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

xoxo

12-24-13

Me: Guess what I watched after a morning bike ride: the best movie of all time! I love The Sound of Music!

The rest of my day was relaxing around the house and visting with friends (photo from Mini Mansion: "beep beep"). I'm off to 4:30pm Christmas Eve service now and then to Heidi's for her traditional Christmas lasagna night.

Thinking of Mom back in Iowa who is surrounding by family, thinking of Pat and Bob who are hosting their annual Christmas Eve gathering with family and friends, and thinking of Bob who is in Dallas, sitting in a classroom for 4 days. Not the best way to spend Christmas. Sending you big hugs! I'm so thankful for you, honey!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

12-23-13

Me: Yesterday's hike up Camelback Mountain.

A Christmas tree and Santa Claus greeted us at the top!

Today's biking in South Mtn. Thanks to recent rain the mountain is sprouting green.

After our ride Bob flew to Dallas. He has training tomorrow & Christmas Day.
We had a great few days together!

12-22-13

Me: Tonight was the annual Christmas lights cruiser bike ride. Our friends, Kim & Jim started this event 8 years ago and it's grown from 30 to about 200 folks on their decorated bikes, riding slowly around the neighborhood to admire holiday decorations.

Fun that Abbie and Mike joined us! The start was conveniently located across from their house at our old house where Mark and Heather live now. Mark & Heather hosted everyone with food and beverages before the start. Egg nog was yum!

Along our route we made two other host home stops for MORE food and drinks. Hot cider, hot chocolate and many more cookies, fudge and chocolate covered pretzels.

Santa was at our last stop. Ok, so he's not real. No really, he's completely fake.

But he still gave Abbie a high 5!

It was a chilly night and I made good use of my China panda sweatshirt and furry hat!

Awesome event! So glad Bob was home so we could enjoy it together.

12-21-13

Me: Harley hopes Santa will notice her this year.

Daydreaming about being one of Santa's reindeer. Or better yet…Rudolph!

I asked Charlie's assistance in photoshopping Harley's nose red and inserting her thought bubbles! Thanks, Charlie! Had fun posting the pics on Facebook. Maybe this will get Harley back on Santa's NICE list. :-)

12-20-13

Me: Yay, Bob is home again! I had him open up one of his Christmas gifts from me: Giant Jenga (home made - with James help ;-)). Of course we had to play a game.

Strategic. Gentle. Slowly. Careful!...

Bob: 0 

Jane: 1

12-19-13

Me: Santa Claus came early and delivered a new dishwasher!
Thank you, Pat & Bob (AKA Santa).
It looks great, gets the dishes done and is incredibly quiet. Love it!

12-18-13

Me: Harley (just like a child) couldn't wait for Christmas Day. She opened up about 5 presents under the tree while I was away. When I got home she was hanging her head low. She really hopes Santa doesn't put her on the naughty list.

12-17-13

 Me: Babysitting day.

 Basketball.

 And gardening.
________________________
PS: Happy Birthday to my father-in-law, Bob!
Hope you had a great day with cake & ice cream! :-)